Preheat oven to 300F; spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and bake until they’re golden and toasted, and their skins come off easily when rubbed (about 1 hour), shaking the pan every so often. Remove the hazelnuts from oven, pour them onto a clean kitchen towel, wrap up the towel, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to help the skins steam off. Rub the nuts with the towel to remove the skins (don’t worry if a few of the skins don’t come off) and the let the nuts cool completely. Coarsely chop the nuts and set aside.

Heat the cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, coffee powder, and salt over medium heat in a medium, thick-bottomed saucepan until it steams and bubbles form around the outer rim, whisking occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. Slowly whisk ¾ cup of the cream mixture into the egg yolks, starting with just a couple drops at a time and adding it in a thin drizzle toward the end. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the pot with the cream mixture and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking occasionally.

Turn off the heat, strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps, and add the chopped chocolate. Give it a brief stir to submerge the chocolate in the custard, let it sit for 2 minutes without stirring so the chocolate can melt, and then whisk to combine. Stir in the vanilla extract and all but 2 tablespoons of the chopped hazelnut (reserving the 2 tablespoons for topping). Pour the custard into 6 small serving glasses.

I love those jelly jar glasses! I’m having an attack of sentimentality because my parents had a lot of those in our cupboards growing up and still have one or two today. <3 Happy anniversary, what a beautiful way to celebrate, with a flavor combination that is special to you two. The custard looks creamy-dreamy and fabulous!

Faith, you not only struck a chord with many of us with your lush custard—it’s those darling glasses! I used to have those with the star-asterisk shape impressed in the glass—(like back in the ’70’s!) haven’t seen ’em for years. thanks!

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Hello! I’m Faith and I write An Edible Mosaic. This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics, with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. I focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home. Welcome to my mosaic of recipes.